WHS hosts first-ever Demon Football Lift-A-Thon

WHS football coach Jason Hall addresses the players during the April 19 Demon Lift-A-Thon fundraiser. Photo by Aimee Bielozer

The Westlake High School football team and coaches geared up for the start of the 2015 season with a first-ever lift-a-thon fundraiser on Sunday, April 19, in the weight room at WHS. 

New WHS head football coach Jason Hall and his coaching staff, assisted by the new Westlake Football Backers, organized this event to showcase the work the team has been putting in all winter and early spring. 

“We want to motivate our student athletes to become bigger, stronger, faster and less susceptible to injury though strength training, stretching and agility work,” said Coach Hall.

More than 60 players, grades 9-12, participated and were divided into groups based on size and position. They started in the WHS weight room where they showcased their power lifts and strength moves. They also rotated through timed drills in both speed and agility, including the 40-meter sprint in the auxiliary gym. Awards were given at the conclusion.

The players sought donations and pledges from family, friends and neighbors for the lift-a-thon for their power lifts, agility drills and speed work. 

The Demon Lift-A-Thon was free and open to the public. Football families, alumni, youth and middle school players showed up to support the football program. The event helped to raise money for team camp in June as well as team apparel. It also gave the team a chance to showcase their athleticism. T3 Performance in Avon was the sole sponsor of the event. 

The Westlake Football Backers are a group of volunteers committed to supporting the Westlake Demons football program, grades 7-12, through a variety of activities, events and projects. The WFB help to establish and maintain meaningful traditions while connecting the football program to the greater Westlake community. The Backers support the ideals and philosophies of the WHS football coaching staff and work to implement initiatives that support a winning football program, creating a legacy of Demon Pride.

The WFB are comprised of coaches, parents, grandparents, alumni, community members and anyone who wants to help the team succeed, on and off the field. For more information, go to westlakefootballbackers.com.

The Demons begin their season in the newly formed Southwest Conference against Olmsted Falls on Friday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m. at WHS Stadium.

Read More on Schools
Volume 7, Issue 8, Posted 9:32 AM, 04.21.2015